Influence of maternal redox status on birth weight

The aim of this study was to determine the influence that maternal redox status, between 30 and 36 weeks of healthy human pregnancy, has on birth weight. Ferric reducing potential (FRP), extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) activity and erythrocyte reduced glutathione (eGSH) concentration were measured as antioxidant indicators, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as a lipoperoxidation indicator. Consumption of dietary micronutrients with antioxidant capacity was recorded. We observed a direct correlation between birth weight and ecSOD activity and eGSH concentration. An interaction between eGSH with FRP and serum ecSOD activity also correlated directly with birth weight. Other correlating factors included maternal thiamine consumption and interactions between vitamins C and E and carotenoids and vitamin E intake. These findings support the notion that antioxidant status has a positive influence on birth weight.

Research highlights▶ ecSOD activity and eGSH correlated directly and significantly with birth weight. ▶ ecSOD activity had greater incidence with birth weight change than did eGSH. ▶ eGSH, ecSOD activity and FRP showed indirect and positive effects on birth weight. ▶ The consumption of thiamine correlated directly and significantly with birth weight. ▶ Consumption of carotenoid, vitamins E and C, showed positive effects on birth weight.